Patent GB-190306793-A (GB)
Title: An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Signalling to Trains.
Inventor: SEEL JOSEPH
Filed: 1903-03-24
Granted: 1904-02-18
Abstract: 6793. Seel, J. March 24. Signalling - instruments repeaters, s i g n a l ; signalling to cabins and stations; signals on engines and trains. -An electric circuit is formed by the transmitter at the cabin, the receiver on the engine, a verifying receiver in the cabin, track conductors, and a stationary generator, the setting of a given signal effecting a given number of interruptions in the circuit, whereby clock mechanism at the receiver is freed and produces a corresponding visible signal. Figs. 2 and 3 show the transmitter, the lever r being as low as possible when inactive, and resting in one of a number of notches on the front cover of the instrument when sending a signal, the height of the notch determining the signal sent. The lever is pivoted in a universal joint s, and its upward motion may produce rotation of the shaft e, held in uprights c, d, a spring p, cord h, and drum f being provided for the purpose. Return motion is brought about by the spring m, cord k, and drum g. The initial movement of the lever allows the cross-bar 26 to rise and close the contact 41, 42 in the main circuit, and if there is a train on the section the circuit will be completed through its receiver and also through the electromagnet z, the core y of which will lift the lever v carrying the detent u out of engagement with the ratchet-wheel t, whereupon the tension of the spring p rotates the spindle and crown-wheel 6, which vibrates a spindle 13 carrying tappets 11, 12 and an arm 15, 16, so that contact is alternately made and broken with a spring piece 18. This contact is in the main circuit, but is shunted by a high resistance through which current continues to flow. When the lever r is restored to its lowest position the spring m returns the spindle e, and the parts 24, 22, 4, 30, 40 co-operate to return the core y, but the crown-wheel remains locked by the tappets, a ratchet connection between it and the spindle permitting this. Suitable brushes or shoes place the engine apparatus in circuit across the track conductors, which may be special wire or rail conductors or the ordinary rails, and at the first completion of the circuit the electromagnet 65 of the receiver, Fig. 6, is energized and attracts its armature 64, pivcted at 62, thereby throwing the shaft member 53 of the clutch into engagement with the member 54 which is fast on the drum 55. The successive makes and breaks produced by the receiver cause the core of the solenoid 66 to reciprocate, and with it an anchor whose pallets 71, 72 engage with a scape-wheel upon the shaft 51 driven by clockwork. The consequent motion of the drum is proportional to the number of interruptions, and this determines the position of the curtain 56, and the word displayed through an aperture 87, the small current passing through the shunt on the transmitter keeping the clutch continuously engaged. The electromagnet 65 and its armature may constitute a relay to complete a bell circuit when the main circuit is broken, and there may be a switch, by opening which the repeating-instrument inÀ the cabin will indicate no current and the signalman will repeat the message. A fan or lamp is energized so long as current flows in the main circuit. The receiving electromagnets may be in series or parallel, and the transmitter shunt may be dispensed with if these electromagnets are suitably wound. The receiver'' may have an index hand and scale to give the signals.